My paleobiologic and paleoclimatic research
focuses on the determination of changes in the isotopic composition of the oceans
through time, by the geochemical analysis of stratigraphic suites of sedimentary
carbonate and shale. These studies aim to document the co-evolution of life and
the surface environment across critical transitions, including Earth's earliest
ice ages and mass extinctions.

Opportunities for Undergraduates

Over the past 12 years the gas source mass spectrometry laboratory
has employed nearly 30 University of Maryland undergraduate students and interns
from nearby high schools (see links under Students button).

Laboratory

The
gas source mass spectrometry facility at the University of Maryland was
opened by Kaufman in 1999 with the purchase of two
Micromass Isoprime mass analyzers for carbon and oxygen isotope
measurements related to paleobiological and paleoclimatic
research. In 2001 this facility was expanded when James Farquhar
joined the Geology Department to include a ThermoFinnigan Delta + and
253, specifically for the measurement of multiple sulfur and
oxygen isotopes for paleoatmospheric studies. With the recent
addition of Mike Evans to the faculty the gas source mass spectrometry
facility is undergoing further expansion. A new Paleoclimate
laboratory is currently under construction to house new instrumentation
procured by Evans and Kaufman.